Inspiring the next generation of Cyber Professionals

CyberFirst is a pivotal part of the UK government’s National Cyber Security Programme, helping young people explore their passion for tech by introducing them to the world of cyber security.

Each activity is designed to give talented young people the technical skills, practical experience and industry exposure they need to start their journey toward cyber-related careers and opportunities, preparing them for a possible role in making Britain the safest place to live and work online.

We live in a CyberFirst world

It’s hard to find an element of life that technology doesn’t touch. From gaming and chatting with friends to shopping or seeing a doctor, we’re constantly sharing our personal data. Data that needs protecting.

Attacks on the digital infrastructure we rely on are increasing every day, both in terms of frequency and sophistication. So, stopping them means being smarter, more inquisitive and quicker to adapt. That’s where you come in.

CyberFirst is about using your passion for technology to shape the cyber security community of tomorrow. You don’t have to be a coder or secret software developer – we’re looking for people from all walks of life and backgrounds. Live streamers, Instagrammers, vloggers, gamers – whatever your thing is – it’s your enthusiasm we’re interested in.

To learn all kinds of practical insights into digital safety and how everyday technology really works, explore the activities below to see which is the right one for you.

CyberFirst Bursary

The CyberFirst bursary scheme is led by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) and aims to support and prepare undergraduates for a career in cyber security.

NCSC partners with other government departments and selected industry, offer students £4,000 per year and paid cyber skills training to help you kick start a career in cyber security.

Each summer you will either: carry out work experience with cyber security teams in government or industry, for which you’ll be paid £250 per week plus accommodation. Or, offered paid cyber security training over an 8-week period known as CyberFirst Academy.

You can find out more and register on the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ) website.

Find out more and register

Get in touch

The courses, designed and developed by QA in collaboration with the NCSC, offer over 2500 free places to 12 to 17-year-old students annually at universities and colleges across the UK. In 2019 the CyberFirst courses were formally recognised by The Scottish Qualification Authority who credit rated them comparable to GSCE level, against their robust and rigorous educational framework.

If you have any questions about CyberFirst courses or other CyberFirst activities or are interested in supporting any events, please get in touch with us.

Email the team

Join the team

The CyberFirst team are always looking for passionate cyber security enthusiasts to help us inspire the next generation of cyber professionals.

If you are interested in any of the roles listed below and would like to apply, please get in touch with us for further information at CyberFirstAdministration@qa.com

Technical facilitators

If you are a current computing or cyber security student or a recent graduate, we have exciting paid work experience opportunities.

Guest speakers

If you are an industry or academic expert we’d like to invite you to share your personal, professional and educational experiences to inspire young people by talking about relevant areas of interest and demonstrating the roles and career opportunities which are available in the exciting field of cyber security.

Cyber security trainers

If you have experience teaching technical subjects to young people, we’d love to talk to you about a wide range of opportunities.